PRESQUE ISLE -- The University of Maine - Presque Isle Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently held a Toy Drive on campus in an effort to ensure that all children in the area have a happy holiday season. SAAC President and UMPI men's basketball player,Patrick Manifold (Jr./Great Yarmouth, UK)spoke about the decision.

"The idea for the toy drive was conceived during a SAAC meeting when the group decided that they would like to do something for the community over the holiday season. As student-athletes we are extremely fortunate to get to do what we love so often and we believe it is very important to give back to the community that supports us, and who could be more deserving than local underprivileged children?"

While the goals put forth by the student-athletes were lofty, with the help of an outpouring of contributions, the group was able to meet and exceed epxectations.

"The 'Toys 4 Girls & Boys' toy drive was a huge success. Our goal was to get 100 toys but we ended up getting over 150 toys. We are very thankful for all the kind donations from UMPI student-athletes, coaches, students and members of staff, and we are so pleased that we will be able to put smiles on the faces of so many children this Christmas."

Donated toys will be distributed to a few different local organizations that are involved with underprivileged children in the local area including Sister Mary O'Donnell Homeless Shelter and Transitional Homes in Presque Isle, The Hope and Justice Program and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Presque Isle.